The Beats Of My Heart | Meri Dil Ki Dhadkan

123

Much to my surprise, when I got downstairs, not only was I late, but even Dai and Di were late, coming in after me - but that wasn't even the most surprising part. The most surprising part was that all of us ladies were all out of our usual saris, and all in sweatpants, including Payal.

"Guess we all had the same thing in mind," Di chuckled.

"No kidding," Dai grinned.

The four of us ladies headed to the kitchen, deciding to get brunch ready.

Yup, we're all that late.

Oh, and Nani still hasn't even joined us yet.

As we continued on to get brunch ready, Nani finally came down to join us all, and everyone else started to sit at the table.

"What's this Nani, you're really late today," I teased lightly as I placed the plates on the table.

"That I am," Nani grinned. "You see, I had this wonderful dream last night that took me back to my youth."

I tilted my head as I looked at her. "Oh? Do tell, Nani," and I wiggled my brows at her.

"Oh it's nothing like that," she chuckled, waving her hand. "But, I will admit, he was there."

"He? ...you mean Nanaji?"

Nani only winked in return and the corner of my lips crooked up.

"Nani," I smirked.

Nani only shrugged as she smiled. "So you'll have to understand why I was so late."

"Fully understood," I grinned, and I gave her a hug. "You miss Nanaji a lot, don't you?"

"That I do, betiyan... but he's with me everyday, right here in my heart," she said, patting her hand over it.

I smiled at her and hugged her once more. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Arnav, who was sitting on Nani's righthand side. He smiled at us lightly and I returned a smile of my own.

With all of the food placed down and the children being put into their seats, our family brunch began. Everyone was animated in conversation, mostly everyone wondering what we should do for the day. Technically though, we've already wasted most of the daylight hours, not to mention we're now spending more of those hours trying to figure out what to do. So the plan quickly got changed for a nighttime activity, and then finally, Di came up with a brilliant idea.

"I know! How about we all gather around the fire pit, make smores and stuff, and then we'll play pass the pillow."

"Really Rani Saheba," Jij frowned, "that's a bit of a boring game, no?"

Di scoffed back. "Uh, no its not! Besides, everyone who ends up with the pillow will either have to sing or dance..."

My fork paused halfway to my mouth as my eyes widened.

"...and it'll be so much fun with everyone playing," she beamed.

I didn't even have to look, already feeling how frozen Arnav was besides me.

Uh oh.

"And before anyone says anything," Di said quickly, "I'm not taking no for an answer. Elders, fine, no problem, but any of us? Absolutely not, you all have to play."

Nani, Mama, and Mami muttered their concerns, all three backing out. That leaves the eight of us, but I'm sure Arnav wants to make it drop to seven.

"So do we have a deal?"

"Di, you're not really giving us an option," Akash frowned.

"Exactly," she beamed.

Dai chuckled besides her. "Actually, I think playing this game will be a great idea."